Who could ever learn to love a Beast?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__x8CYAVMbk&feature=related

Beauty & the Beast This is a classic metamorphosis tale. The Beast is a handsome prince under an enchantment, and only true love will break the spell. The story has been told many times but the essential ideas stay the same – this is once of the least ‘Disneyfied’ fairy tales.

Beauty & the Beast Essential ingredients: • A spooky, secluded castle • A deal or agreement between Beauty’s father

and the Beast • A rose • An enchantment • A declaration of love • A transformation

Metamorphosis Metamorphosis means complete transformation. The stories tell us that the Beast was cursed with ugliness for ungallant behaviour. When Beauty falls in love with him and kisses him, the curse is lifted and he becomes a handsome Prince again. Is this a literal or a symbolic metamorphosis?

What is the moral or message of the story?

Is it that: • Love is more powerful than magic and can

break spells • Love makes people more attractive • Personality and character are more important

than appearances • Ugliness is a terrible punishment, good looks

are a reward

Shrek – a twist on the story

How does this version change the message of the traditional story?

Carter’s versions Carter adapts the fairy tale for her stories: • The Courtship of Mr Lyon • The Tiger’s Bride

The Courtship of Mr Lyon Makes notes on the following: • The setting, including Mr Lyon’s house • Beauty’s father • Beauty • Mr Lyon

The Courtship of Mr Lyon How does Carter’s story develop the themes and motifs of the original?

The Tiger’s Bride Make notes on the following: • The setting, including the Beast’s home • Beauty’s father • Beauty • The Beast

The Tiger’s Bride This story is written from Beauty’s own point of view. How does this impact on the story?

The Tiger’s Bride There are a number of significant changes from the original – such as the overt sexuality of the relationship and the metamorphosis itself. How do these changes impact on the

meanings of the story? What is this story about, that we don’t have in the original?

Summary What conclusions can you draw about Carter’s presentation of relationships in these two stories?

Summary What connections can you find between the stories we have studied so far? Create a mind map, with brief quotations.